DOWNTOWN AKRON — Santa Claus will be the guest of honor at the city’s 26th annual Welcome Santa Parade Nov. 24. The parade will start at 11 a.m. at the corner of South Main and Cedar streets and run north to Bowery Street, where it will end at Water Street. The reviewing stand will be near the corner of University Avenue and South Main Street.

Brittany Schmoekel, community events coordinator for the city of Akron, said more than 75 units are expected to take part in the parade. Shown at right is Santa from a past parade.

“We’re going to be highlighting our Recreation Bureau programs,” she said. “We’re going to have tiny tots basketball and our dance programs featured to get the kids out.”

In addition, Ken Babby, new owner of the Akron Aeros, will be the parade marshal.

Tim Daugherty and Christi Nichols from WONE-FM will again serve as announcers. Awards will be given out following the parade at Lock 3 Park.